Resources that are available for the group affected by this violence
At this stage, when the family members of the battered women do this to them, it becomes the responsibility of the people to do something about this. Therefore this type of violence has not been left ignored by society (Gilbertson, M. K., 1998). It has made certain resources available for the people who are affected by domestic violence so that they have something to fall back upon. The problem is becoming common every day and this is why the need for resources to address this problem has also increased.
Individual cases of violence
First of all, the victim can develop a support system. This could include taking help from close friends or family. These people will give them hope and advice which will benefit them in the long term. These people may also protect them from the abuser and hence safe from domestic violence (North American Mission Board, 2007). This approach is very common and is very helpful. It helps the victim come out of the trauma and the stress that he or she faces from the abuser. The victims realize that they have others who are there to look after them and hence they can depend on them during difficult times.
If she is still living with the abuser, she must arrange some way that will get her help when she needs it. For instance, she may arrange a signal with the neighbors which will tell them that she needs help. This signal can be something as turning on the porch light when the victim is in a threatening situation. This will make the neighbors more alert and hence will come help if and when something goes wrong (North American Mission Board, 2007).
Another option that the victim has is taking legal action against the abuser. This option is will improve the situation as a third party is involved. This legal action includes filing a lawsuit. The person who is affected has legal rights when it comes to this situation. The person affected can consult a lawyer and get a restraining order. This will ensure that the abuser does not get in the way of the victim. It will provide the victim with mental and physical safety (Help Guide, 2009).
Lastly, the battered woman can seek refuge in a shelter home where she can stay safe from the victim. She will also come across women who have had the same past therefore she would have people she can relate to. This will give them hope when they have completely lost it (Help Guide, 2009). This option is the most common option that women have in this situation. It is mostly for those women who have no one to turn to when something like this happens.
What can be done to reduce this type of violence
There is a lot that can be done to reduce this type of violence. However, to do this, both the victim and the society must be willing. The first step is to make sure that intervention takes place before the matter gets out of control. However, for this women must be aware of the symptoms of a possible abuser. Once the husband or any other family member is a suspect, the intervention must take place. She will know if the husband or the family member is a suspect if their behavior is like the symptoms of an abuser. She must contact a psychologist or a counselor who might be able to help before the matter gets worse.
Society as mentioned above can also play a very important role. Different awareness programs can be carried out to inform the victims about the options and resources they have. Women can also be told about the signs of domestic violence therefore they can be aware and intervene before it gets too late. All these awareness programs must be carried out on a large scale and women who are most likely to be victims of domestic violence must be targeted.
A very major problem with women who get abused is the unwillingness to do something about it and involve a third party. These women must be told the consequences of domestic violence on themselves and their children. This might encourage them to take action and not give up. They can also be shown support by those around them so that she knows that she would not be alone during the entire process of taking action against the abuser. We must understand that the victim at this stage is very sensitive and she needs to be sure that the action that she takes works. She needs to be reassured and encouraged at all times.
The neighbors can also complain to the authorities if such behavior is observed. For instance, if they hear noises from their neighboring house very often, they can report this to the concerned authorities. The concerned authorities will investigate and intervene. This will reduce the problem of domestic violence to a great extent because the abuser will have to be aware to not get attention from those close to them.
Violence is also becoming very common in America. Guns and other types of weapons are very easily available and as a result, the usage of these guns is also increasing. This makes the problem even worse because it often leads to deaths (Bellesiles, M. A., 2000). Therefore another way to reduce domestic violence is to decrease the exposure to violence through different mediums.
References
Buhain, V. (2007). Knowing signs can pinpoint gang activity early: Groups that work with youths learn to recognize dangers. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News.
National Alliance of Gangs Investigators Associations 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment.
Gilbertson, M. K., (1998) “Helping Battered Women.” American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Web.
Bellesiles, M. A., (2000) “Exploding the Myth of an Armed America.” The Chronicle. Web.
North American Mission Board, (2007) “Legal Options.” North American Mission Board. Web.
Help Guide (2009) “Domestic Violence and Abuse” Help Guide. Web.